Florida lawmakers optimistic about HSR in state, based on Obama hopes

Though Obama has yet to reveal his economic recovery plan, transportation advocates across the nation are hoping that it will include a provision for rail or even HSR. Pro-Rail US Reps from the state, such as John Mica, are optimistic that a more positive federal outlook towards rail could reverse some of the state’s past misfortunes with high-speed rail. From the Orlando Sun-Sentinel:

While details of the president-elect’s plan remain uncertain, U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and John Mica, R-Winter Park, have renewed calls in recent weeks for a rail line that tentatively would run from Tampa to Orlando and Miami.

And even if that plan doesn’t work out, the two said they have other Florida transportation projects in mind, including a 61-mile commuter rail system running between Volusia and Osceola counties and through downtown Orlando.

“We are ready to go. I’m excited that we have an administration that wants to rebuild America,” said Brown, who is almost certain to keep her post in the next Congress as head of the House subcommittee that oversees railroads.